The History of St. Mary's Antiochian Orthodox Church
In the late l950's in the West Palm Beach area, there was a small handful of Orthodox Christian families, approximately fifteen, who realized the need for a local Orthodox Parish to fulfill their spiritual needs, along with those of their children and all future generations.
At the Syrian Lebanese American Club on November 17, 1959 there was an organizational meeting, in which the Very Rev. Fr. Michael Husson from St. George of Miami presided. At this time, an Orthodox Mission was officially begun in West Palm Beach and it was named St. Mary's according to the recommendation of our late Metropolitan Antony Bashir.
Following the meeting, liturgical services were celebrated at the Syrian Lebanese American Club by the lated V. Rev. Fr. Abraham Zaine. After the arrival of our first full time priest, Fr. John Newcome, services were held in downtown West Palm Beach at the Carefree Theater.
Through the support of our local Orthodox families, and friends within the community, and other Orthodox support beyond the geographical limits of West Palm Beach, land was purchased and construction began on the church. It was subsequently sold and a new parcel of land was purchased which is the present site of our St. Mary's.
On Friday, April 4, 1963 the late Very Reverend Father Wakeem Dalack arrived replacing Father Newcombe. Construction had already commenced and through the untiring efforts and leadership of Father Dalack and his dedicated parishioners, the church was finally completed and our first Divine Liturgy was celebrated during the Holy Pascal period in 1965. On occasion and in the absence of Father Dalack, the late Father Anthony Stangry assisted Father Dalack in celebrating the liturgy. When Father Dalack announced his retirement, a testimonial was given in his honor. Father Basil Wagner replaced Father Dalack and served our parish until he was subsequently replaced by Father Nicholas Neyman.
Father Neyman was instrumental in the formation of the Day Care Center as a community service and also to assist the fund raising efforts of our church. The center displayed a high degree of projected success and based upon these projections immediate steps were taken to acquire the property located immediately south of where our church stands. Through the untiring efforts of many of the parishioners and friends we were able to transform this unique donation into our first Day Care facility.
Approximately a 1 1/2 year hiatus transpired without a permanent spiritual leader following Father Neyman's transfer to California. A new graduate and ordained Priest, Rev. Fr. Elia Shalhoub was assigned as an interim Priest from May 20th to August 10, 1980. If it were not for the untiring and unselfish efforts of Father Michael Lobo we would not have had any spiritual guidance. Father Lobo traveled from Miami to West Palm Beach every Sunday during this period until the fall of 1981 when the Very Reverend Father Paul Moses was assigned to St. Mary's.
Father Moses rendered invaluable assistance to Khouryie Hilda who had taken over the administrative duties of our Day Care Center. With the acquisition of the adjacent property we also transformed this former residence to what was to become known as Day Care Center II. This conversion lasted approximately one year and was accomplished by the many dedicated members and friends who sacrificed every weekend keeping the overall cost of conversion to a minimum.
At the semi-annual General Assembly meeting in May 1984, the congregation gave serious consideration and authorized the expansion, as the need arises, of a future building to be known as Angels Ark III.
Following Fr. Paul Moses' retirement, Fr. Michael Lewis was assigned as our pastor, where he served us for ten years. Fellowing Fr. Michael's transfer, we received, again, a newly ordained Priest Fr. Simeon Corona, who served us for only two years. Following Fr.Simeon's transfer, Fr. James Barkett was assigned and he served for almost four years. Following Fr. James departure, we were assigned, again, an interim pastor, Fr. Nicholas Bargott, who served us for six months until our present pastor, the Very Reverend Fr. Elia Shalhoub was assigned to shepherd our flock.
The heritages of our parishioners include: Russian, Ukrainian, Greek, Lebanese, Syrian, Armenian, Yugoslovian, Bulgarian, and American to name a few. Our church is recognized as an Antiochian Church, with a Pan Orthodox setting, with services in English. Our present facilities include a multi-purpose recreation hall where it is rented out to various organization in the community on an everyday basis. We have tried to exemplify the good neighbor image in making our facilities available for everything from a meeting hall to banquet and hafli activities. We have ample parking facilities available and additional land for future expansion which we pray will be necessary in the foreseeable future.
With the guidance of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the goals projected will be obtained by our dedicated members and friends, expanding on the foundation established by our present members and those who have departed before us.